Handbag illuminator



P 21, 3954 A. L. WILSON 2,689,907

HANDBAG ILLUMINATOR Filed Feb. 16, 1955 Fig.

Arthur L. Wilson INVENTOR.

Patented Sept. 21 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to an article of womens apparel and more particularly to a handbag or pocketbook having illuminating means incorporated therein.

The primary object of this invention resides in the provision of illuminating means for a ladys handbag or pocketbook which permits the feminine user to readily inspect the contents of her pocketbook as may be necessary when the lady is at the theater or cinema, night club, restaurant, or at any other place there is little or no adequate illumination for such a purpose.

A further object of the invention is to provide a handbag illuminator having a manually operated switch for selectively exciting the illuminating means while there is also provided a safety switch causing the operative electrical circuits to be broken as soon as the handbag is closed.

The construction of this invention features a mounting bar on which the various components of this invention are secured. The mounting bar is also a conductor of current which eliminates the use of exterior wires. Secured to the mounting bar is a switch block supporting plate which has a depending flange embedded in the switch block and which supports the switch block. The switch block carries the resilient switch member which is provided with free ends to be manually operated and to be operated by the closure of the handbag.

Still further objects of the invention reside in the provision of a handbag illuminator that is strong and durable, simple in construction and manufacture, capable of being readily incorporated in combination with various ladys handbags, purses, pocketbooks, while being equally adaptable for use on luggage, suitcases, and other various similar items.

These, together with the various ancillary objects and features of the invention which will become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this handbag illuminator, a preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the handbag illuminator within a ladys purse and in operative use;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the handbag illuminator with the casing in an open position in order that the construction of the illuminating means may be readily observed;

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the handbag illuminator showing in particular the construction of the mounting plate and reflector;

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional View as taken along the plane of line 44 in Figure 2; and,

Figure 5 is a perspective of the switch block mounting plate comprising one of the elements of the invention.

With continuing reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views, reference numeral I!) generally designates a ladys handbag or pocketbook in which the illuminating means are adapted to be used in combination. This illuminating means includes a casing [2 of a flexible material such as plastic or cloth which is provided with a cover l4 having a zipper closure as at [6. Depending from the metallic framework I8 of the handbag II] is an elongated mounting bar 20. A pair of contact clamps 22 and 24 depend from the mounting bar 20 and embrace a battery 26, the insulative cardboard about the battery 26 having been removed in order that the clamp contacts 22 and 2 5 may embrace the battery and obtain satisfactory operative electrical contact therewith.

Carried by the mounting bar 20 is a switch block securing plate 28. The switch block securing plate 23 includes a flange 30 which is provided with suitable corrugations or other irregular conflguration so as to readily lockingly engage a switch block 32 which is molded thereabout. Thus, the flange 30 is embedded in the switch block 32 which also has embedded therein as at 34 a conductor 36 having corrugations at one end which are embedded in the block 32 and having a contact 38 adapted to engage the contact terminal of the battery 26. A switch leaf 40 having a central portion as at 42 provided with corrugations and embedded in the switch block 32 is provided. The switch leaf 40 has a contact as at 44 for manual actuation and contact with the conductor 36. The other end of the switch leaf is adapted to engage a contact 46 on the reflector 48. An angulated rod 50 is secured by means of an insulative finger 5| to the end 52 of the spring leaf 40 and is adapted to disengage the end 52 from the contact 46 when the handbag I0 is closed because the frame members l8 will engage the rod 50 to urge the spring end 52 out of engagement with the contact 46. A light bulb 54 is provided and is adapted to be secured within the receptacle 56. The receptacle 56 having its ground or negative terminal attached to the mounting bar 20 and being adapted to retain either a bayonet type bulb 54 or an Edison base bulb. The reflector 48 is in electrical contact with the positive terminal of the receptacle 56. The receptacle 56 includes a contact 58 which is in electrical contact with the mounting bar 20. Further, the receptacle 56 holds the threads of a screw or Edison type bulb by angular spring clips which engage within the thread grooves.

In operation withithe zipper closed as is shown in Figure "1 and with the contact 44 actuated through the aperture 60 in the cover M the lamp will be illuminated and shine through the transparent plastic window as at 52 in the -base of the casing l2. When the handbag is shut the rod 50 will cause disengagement iflf the send 52 from the reflector 48 thus preventing ,the lamp from being actuated even though the contents of the handbag might engage the contact 44. This enhances the life of the battery.

.It is to be noted that the contact .38 maybe secured to the center terminal of the battery 26 vby soldering .or by any suitable spring type clamp which lockingly holds the contact 38 in electrical engagement with the center terminal of the battery 26.

Since from the foregoing, the constructionand advantages of this handbag illuminator are readily apparent, further description is believed to be unnecessary.

However, since numerous modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it isnot intended to limit the invention to the precise embodiment shown and described, but all sult-- able modifications and equivalents may be readily resorted to.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

A handbag illuminator comprising an elongated mounting bar, a contact clamp secured to said bar, a battery carried by said clamp, a switch block securing plate secured to said bar, an insulatiye switch block carried by said securing plate, a conductive reflector carried by said mounting bar, a conductor carried by said switch block resiliently engaging said battery, a switch leaf centrally embedded in said switch block and having two free ends, a contact at one of said free ends for contacting said conductor upon manual actuation, another contact at the other of said free 'ends for contacting said reflector upon handbag opening actuation, said switch block securing plate including a flange embedded in ,said switch block, and an .angula e rod secured to said .switch leaf for disengaging said other contact irom said reflector DQI closing of the handbag.

References "Cited in the file of this "patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 17142958 Kaufman Jan. 7, 1930 2278,866 .Elba Apr. '7, 1942 2,300,108 Curie Oct. 27, 1942 2,534,945 Booth Dec. "19, 1950 

